3rd gen lifespan

[TheDurk]

I think the fact that I have spent half the summer doing a backyard DIY frame swap in my spare time speaks for the permanence of the relationship between myself and this truck. Unlike most, I've owned her since new. She's helped put three kids through college and done more moves than I can count. I consider her part of the family. Seventeen years, that's longer than my marriage lasted (not by much). With a solid POR15'd frame, this truck will probably last as long as I want her to. Everything else is really solid--as far as I know.

 

[SP2PILOT]

I was thinking about this the other day. Since i already have a new Tundra TRD Pro and the 4runner is just for fun/offroad/going places I don't want to bring a 6000lb 20' long truck its going to stay in the fleet a while.

The ONLY thing I think would change that is the Northeast's old friend. RUST.

However - think about this. Most of us bought a 15-17 year old vehicle. I paid $3300 for mine.

I imagine that around 2025 (only 9 years people) we can be looking for clean 5th gens that are going to be around the same price.

I think that's very likely, however the downside is the 5th gen has so many more electronically controlled components, modules and features which just increases the chances of having an issue. Those issues can be costly, and that lack of complexity is one of my favorite things about my 3rd gen and the very reason I decided on one to begin with.

 

[T4R2014]

Anything can last if you replace parts. Where the 3rd gen stands out is how many times those parts will have to be replaced compared to another vehicle. I'm not really scared away by a rusty frame either, I kind of expect it with the age. It's amazing how many 3rd gens can be saved with some frame welding.

Aside from that, not many other vehicles check all the right boxes like the 3rd gen does. I can honestly say that it was a new purchase that hasn't been regretted one bit. I've been happy with a lot of vehicles, but not many quite meet my expectations like a stock 3rd gen off the showroom floor.

 

[Sean K.]

Not a chance. Too much bodywork, not enough room for big tires. Been there, done that, bought the Runner more for exploring, and to help keep the miles off my Ram 1500. I want my AC, and to go to old mines, and go shooting and such.

Gotcha. I'm in agreement. I'm wondering how long I can keep the panels straight.

 

[FrankieJoe14]

I think that's very likely, however the downside is the 5th gen has so many more electronically controlled components, modules and features which just increases the chances of having an issue. Those issues can be costly, and that lack of complexity is one of my favorite things about my 3rd gen and the very reason I decided on one to begin with.

I don't know if i agree with this statement that much. How many ECU's does a 3rd gen have? Checking the FSM its actually 9 - Engine, trans, ABS / TRAC, Airbag, Cruise control, Immobilizer, Body control, back door, and Air conditioning.

Sure the 5th gens are probably more complex in their capabilities, but the 3rd gen is already more complex than your shade-tree mechanic is able to accomplish.

15 years from now who knows what kind of complexity will be out. We look at the 3rd gens now as "non complex" but think in 2025+ when a 5th gen will be peanuts compared to what is out - just like now.

I'm pumped for it.

 

[T4R2014]

I don't know if i agree with this statement that much. How many ECU's does a 3rd gen have? Checking the FSM its actually 9 - Engine, trans, ABS / TRAC, Airbag, Cruise control, Immobilizer, Body control, back door, and Air conditioning.

Sure the 5th gens are probably more complex in their capabilities, but the 3rd gen is already more complex than your shade-tree mechanic is able to accomplish.

15 years from now who knows what kind of complexity will be out. We look at the 3rd gens now as "non complex" but think in 2025+ when a 5th gen will be peanuts compared to what is out - just like now.

I'm pumped for it.

You bring up a good point. The way I see it, cars of the 90's were about as complex as I wanted. Think 90's loaded - power locks, mirrors, windows, etc. The electronic throttle controls are pushing it. I don't mind ABS, but give me a limited slip over traction control any day. I'm not impressed afterthought looking tablets placed on the dashboards which seem to be the norm these days. Give it a few years until it's outdated crap. These newer cars are great for short term ownership, but all that extra crap becomes pointless a lot quicker.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

Why do you want the 2wd model?

Less expensive, less complicated (also why I went for the base model). I like the looks of the 4WD models but I would never use it. No snow here.

 

[jhuerta22]

I'll drive this thing til the wheels fall off. Oh... wait.... still have 3 left.
:jaw:

 

[GangsterOfLove]

the 3rd gen is already more complex than your shade-tree mechanic is able to accomplish.

I think that was more true before YouTube and forums like this one came along. There's so much good information out there that dealing with the electronics is not the big deal it used to be.

And (fingers crossed) they don't seem to go bad very often.

 

[I_bRAD]

I'll drive this thing til the wheels fall off. Oh... wait.... still have 3 left.
:jaw:

Technically it's still attached!

 

[I_bRAD]

You bring up a good point. The way I see it, cars of the 90's were about as complex as I wanted. Think 90's loaded - power locks, mirrors, windows, etc. The electronic throttle controls are pushing it. I don't mind ABS, but give me a limited slip over traction control any day. I'm not impressed afterthought looking tablets placed on the dashboards which seem to be the norm these days. Give it a few years until it's outdated crap. These newer cars are great for short term ownership, but all that extra crap becomes pointless a lot quicker.

90s was the peak of automotive design in my opinion. Pretty good technology, but not ridiculous like it is now. Yeah sure the car phone in my "fancy" mercedes is completely obsolete and I can't use it. Oh well. Wonder what it will be like trying to source a 10 year old touch screen so you can turn on your damn defrost. And heaven forbid you price out one of those new sealed LED headlamp units! (hint: ridiculous)

 

[shoota]

You guys do realize that as time goes on we're gonna be the old curmudgeons that every one else mocks when we say "Back in my day.."

 

[FrankieJoe14]

Its only a matter of time before china starts mass producing Sealed LED headlamps driving the price down.

And for other items like that? Someone finds a way. I'd like to point you to the guy making E-locker ECU's.

 

[Bijan]

I plan to keep / upgrade mine until it's not drivable or repairable

 

[T4R2014]

You guys do realize that as time goes on we're gonna be the old curmudgeons that every one else mocks when we say "Back in my day.."

That's why you lease new cars. Not many are gonna last too long.

 

[Sean K.]

The biggest problem may be getting fuel at some point in the future. The ICE *could* go the way of the dinosaur....but I kinda doubt it will happen anytime soon.....especially if we were smart enough to build LFTR reactors and make Synfuel for ICEs. Of course, with LFTR technology.....all electric commuter vehicles could be a real possibility, so Synfuel would allow us to ramp up to zero emission vehicles for a large percentage of applications.

 

[I_bRAD]

Its only a matter of time before china starts mass producing Sealed LED headlamps driving the price down.

And for other items like that? Someone finds a way. I'd like to point you to the guy making E-locker ECU's.

I hope you're right! I'm worried the market will dry up once "most" people just buy and throw away instead of fixing up older cars.

I'm already torn that I have to save up for expensive diagnostic tools and start thinking about electric cars. Wonder how long it will be before you can reasonably buy an electric swap kit for your favourite gas cars.

 

[Crowcifier6]

Electricity produces pollution too. How much coal is burned to charge those batteries? And how long will they last (not many 1st gen prius on the road are there?)? It's just not as in-your-face as tried and true for 100 year gas vehicles are. And it makes the hippies feel better.

Granted, I think solar and wind are a good direction to go in. Though, until we are set up, it's a feelgood measure, electric cars.

 

[amalik]

Electricity produces pollution too. How much coal is burned to charge those batteries? And how long will they last (not many 1st gen prius on the road are there?)? It's just not as in-your-face as tried and true for 100 year gas vehicles are. And it makes the hippies feel better.

Granted, I think solar and wind are a good direction to go in. Though, until we are set up, it's a feelgood measure, electric cars.

Everything you're saying is true.

Everything youre saying hasnt effected Tesla sales in the least though.

Theres a sucker born everyday as the saying goes.

I do think the Model S is unique engineering though.

Im sure anyone with half a brain realizes the amount of natural resources that go into large Li ion batteries and charging infrastructure.

Btw its not a good argument that coal is burned for electricity when arguing against electric cars. There are many renewable forms of electricity generation.

Sent from my LGMS428 using Tapatalk

 

[Roc Doc]

:laugh:

I'll drive this thing til the wheels fall off. Oh... wait.... still have 3 left.
:jaw:

:laugh: